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How to fix a dishwasher leak

We'll locate the leak, replace the door gasket or tighten hose connections, and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement door gasket (exact match for your model)
  • Towels, bucket
  • Channel-lock pliers (for hose connections)
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Steps

Goal: Shut off water and power, locate the leak, fix the gasket or connections, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Turn off the water supply valve under the sink or behind the dishwasher. Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the dishwasher.
  • Good: No water flow and no power to the unit. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Water or power still on—find the correct valves and breaker.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Dry the floor and the area around the dishwasher. Run a short cycle and watch where water appears—at the door gasket, at the supply line or drain hose under the sink, or at the drain connection.
  • Good: You see water emerge from one or more spots. Proceed to Replace door gasket or Tighten hose connections based on location.
  • Bad: Cannot locate the leak—call a plumber.

Replace door gasket

Goal: Replace a worn or torn door gasket to stop leaks at the door.

  • Order a replacement gasket for your dishwasher model. Open the door and remove the old gasket from its groove.
  • Install the new gasket in the same groove, ensuring it sits flat. Close the door and run a short cycle.
  • Good: No drips at the door when the dishwasher runs.
  • Bad: Still leaks—check if the tub is cracked. If so, call a plumber.

Tighten hose connections

Goal: Stop leaks at the supply line or drain hose.

  • If the leak is at the supply line, shut off the water. Check that the line is fully threaded and the nut is snug. Tighten the nut a quarter turn.
  • If the leak is at the drain hose, check that the hose is fully inserted and the clamp is snug. Look for kinks or cracks. Replace the hose if damaged.
  • Good: No drips at the connections when you run a short cycle.
  • Bad: Connections will not seal or leak is inside the tub—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The leak is inside the tub.
  • The pump is leaking.
  • The supply line is corroded or damaged.
  • You cannot locate the source of the leak.

Do not run the dishwasher with a visible leak—water can damage floors and cabinets.

Verification

  • No drips at the door, supply line, or drain hose when the dishwasher runs a full cycle.
  • The drain hose has no kinks and water drains without backing up.

Where is the leak?

Dry the area, run a short cycle. Watch for water at the door, supply line, drain hose, or drain connection.

Shut off water and power. Dry the floor and area. Run a short cycle. Good: you see water at the door, supply line, drain hose, or drain. Bad: cannot locate—call a plumber.

Door Hoses or drain

You can change your answer later.

Replace door gasket

Replace the door gasket. Run a short cycle. Good: no leak. Bad: still leaks—check if tub is cracked; call a plumber.

Done

Tighten or replace hoses

Tighten supply line and drain hose connections. Check for kinks or cracks. Replace if damaged. Run a short cycle. Good: no leak. Bad: still leaks or leak is inside tub—call a plumber.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dishwasher leak?
Common causes: a worn door gasket, loose supply or drain hose connections, a kinked drain hose, or a clogged drain. The door gasket seals the door; if it is torn or misaligned, water escapes. Hose connections can loosen over time.
Can I fix a dishwasher leak myself?
Yes. Most leaks at the door gasket or hose connections are fixable by replacing the gasket or tightening fittings. Shut off water and power first. If the leak is inside the tub or at the pump, call a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a dishwasher leak?
Call a plumber if the leak is inside the tub, the pump is leaking, the supply line is corroded, or you have a hard-to-reach installation. Do not run the dishwasher with a visible leak—water can damage floors and cabinets.

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